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New England Patriots 2024 NFL draft picks: Patriots get QB Maye and WR Polk

Let's take a closer look at each of the Patriots' 2024 draft picks.

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The 2024 NFL draft began on Thursday night in Detroit and will wrap up on Saturday. The New England Patriots are scheduled to make eight of the draft's 257 picks.

With the third-overall pick, they drafted quarterback Drake Maye.

ESPN will provide pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Patriots' selections as they are made.

A look at each of New England's scheduled selections:

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Round 1: No. 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

My take: They didn't overthink it. In need of a potential franchise quarterback, and open to trading the pick if a big-time offer came their way, the Patriots landed a player who gives the organization the same type of hope that Drew Bledsoe did after being selected No. 1 overall in 1993. Now comes the important part of developing Maye with quality coaching, and ensuring he doesn't have too many voices in his ear.

Will he start as a rookie?: Not necessarily right away. The Patriots signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal in the offseason to provide leadership, mentorship, and a "bridge" option so any rookie wouldn't be rushed onto the field.

Key stat: In 2022, Maye set North Carolina records for completions (342) and passing yards (4,321) in a single season. At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he is more than just a pocket passer; he totaled 302 carries for 1,209 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

Round 2: No. 37: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

My take: The Patriots had explored trading back into the bottom of the first round on Thursday night but couldn't strike a deal, according to sources. So they regrouped, traded down three spots in the second round (from 34 to 37) to improve 27 spots later in the draft (from 137 to 110), and then grabbed the player they probably would have picked at 34 in Polk. A Bill Belichick-type move from the new regime that will be judged, in part, by if they should have gone with WR Ladd McConkey (selected at 34) instead.

What we're hearing about Polk: Polk clocked a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, so he isn't a burner, but his knack for making tough plays look routine -- coupled with strong intangibles -- made him an ideal target for the team. Director of scouting Eliot Wolf has talked about the desire to "weaponize" the offense, and the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Polk has a chance to make an immediate impact joining a depth chart headlined by Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Round 3: No. 68: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State

My take: The Patriots' top need areas entering the draft were QB, WR and OT, and Wallace caps off the 1-2-3 approach in filling them. He was mostly a right tackle in college, but Wolf said the team believes Wallace has the athletic ability to move to the left side. First-year offensive line coach Scott Peters comes from the Browns and his presence ties to Wallace, who at the least will be counted upon to be a top backup as a rookie.

What we're hearing about Wallace: If Penn State didn't have Olumuyiwa Fashanu (first round, Jets) at left tackle, Wolf believes that Wallace would have played on the left side. "Really good pass-protector -- took a huge step forward this year as a four-year starter," Wolf said. "Can bend, strong, powerful, tough, can possibly play guard. Think he could be a four-position guy."

What's next: With five picks remaining on Day 3, the Patriots figure to balance out their draft class with some defense after addressing more pressing needs to this point. A developmental TE also makes sense if the right opportunity presents itself.

Remaining picks

Round 4: No. 103 

Round 4: No. 110 (from Los Angeles Chargers)

Round 6: No. 180

Round 6: No. 193 (from Jacksonville)

Round 7: No. 231 (from Chicago)